The Tennessee Titans revealed their initial 53-man roster on Sunday. General manager Mike Borgonzi did not stop there. On Monday, the Titans added five new players, including three via waivers, and two veterans through free agency.
Nose tackle Nazir Stackhouse, cornerback Melvin Smith, and linebacker Owen Pappoe were added through waivers. Veteran safety Terrell Burgess and offensive tackle James Hudson were signed in free agency. To make room for new additions, Mo Diabate, Erick Hallett II, Jerrick Reed, Austin Deculus, and Xavier Restrepo were waived or released by the Titans.
Borgonzi has been extremely busy conducting roster gymnastics. As a result, several Titans players fell victim to the brutal 53-man roster crunch. We've identified three in particular.
3 Tennessee Titans players who fell victim to Mike Borgonzi's 53-man roster crunch
Michael Carter, RB
Veteran running back Michael Carter was very effective throughout the preseason. He compiled 166 all-purpose yards as a runner, receiver, and returner. Carter was released by the Titans because they were deep at the position, choosing to keep special teams ace Julius Chestnut as the fourth player.
Because Carter is a vested veteran, he didn't go through waivers. The Titans immediately worked on signing him back to the practice squad, quickly providing him with a contract, sources confirmed to Titan Sized. Carter is a valuable addition to the reserve team in case of an injury at running back.
Bryce Oliver, WR
Wide receiver Bryce Oliver was arguably the Titans' most surprising cut. Often referenced among their best special teams players, Borgonzi obviously felt he had enough cover in that area. It doesn't necessarily sound like Oliver is landing on the Titans' practice squad, either.
The Titans initially kept six wide receivers, with fan-favorite Xavier Restrepo making the 53-man squad. Restrepo was unfortunately waived on Monday as the Titans move forward with five active-roster receivers for now. Restrepo, a sophomore slot receiver, will almost certainly be back on the practice squad.
Erick Hallett II, CB
Erick Hallett II was among the Titans' biggest surprises this summer. The versatile defensive back earned his 53-man roster spot by playing cornerback, safety, and special teams. The feel-good story was short-lived, however.
The Titans added two defensive backs on Monday, one via waivers (Melvin Smith), and another through free agency (Terrell Burgess). They waived Hallett (and Jerrick Reed) as a result. Hallett deserved better, but it was a numbers crunch. He'll probably end up on the practice squad.
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